The last two months have flown by. Liv has been on pins and needles waiting for the shoe to drop from Mellie. She's been hard to deal with. She and Fitz have been fighting over the kids. Liv hasn't seen the kids in 2 months because Mellie has been threatening their visits if she is present. She knows that all of this is stressing Fitz out but he's trying to make sure she is staying calm. He's working with Charlie to find anything he needs to on Mellie but for now, Charlie is coming up empty. He's been trying to give her space and she's been avoiding him but she hasn't told him why. They haven't been intimate in a month and she knows it's wrong that she's been keeping him at arms length but she knows eventually she will have to tell him why.

April buzzes in, "There's a Mr. Robert Allen here to see you."

"Robert Allen," Liv repeats.

"He says he's with the Illinois Medical Licensing Board," April explains.

Liv immediately rubs her forehead as she throws her head back in exasperation. She pats her chest. She notices her hands are shaking. "I'll be right there," she buzzes back. She goes to the door gracefully as she opens. She walks out shaking his hand, "Hello Mr. Allen," she says.

"Dr. Pope," he says, shaking her hand back.

"We can step into my office," Liv says as she leads him in. She turns to April, "You know what to do."

April starts calling her afternoon appointments the moment she closes the door.

"Can I get you something to drink?" Liv says nervously. "I have water, coffee, and a guilty pleasure of mine, those sparkling waters."

"Regular water will be fine," he answers as she goes toward the cart to get the bottled water. She hands it to him, hands still shaking. "It's okay , I am just here to talk."

Liv sits in her chair, trying to calm down. "No doubt, I know why you are here," she resolves. She rather just cut to the chase.

"This is just a formal inquiry. There was a complaint brought against you," He starts.

"By Melody Grant," Liv finishes for him.

He crosses his leg, "Let's start with the last year, you've had a few incidents with patients," he says.

"Yes I did," she answers.

"The latest incident was a peculiar one," he says.

"Yes! He couldn't accept the outcome of their sessions. There was nothing I could really do about it."

"And the incident with ," He asks. "I mean I ran the report submitted to the board but I just wanted a little of your perspective on it."

Liv takes a breath, "Their marriage was at the point of no return when they came to me. Their son's death was hard for them to reconcile and try to rebuild from. I tried my best to put them on a road to rebuilding but his wife had a hard time forgiving him," Liv explains.

"And she left the marriage and he subsequently blamed you for it," Mr. Allen concludes.

"Yes that is basically what happened," Liv agrees. Her stomach is doing flip flops as she is waiting for the issue of the Grants to present itself.

"Let's discuss the elephant in the room," he says.

"Okay," Liv says softly.

"Mellie and Fitzgerald Grant," he answers. Liv shakes her head.

"Can you answer if she is the one that made the formal complaint?" Liv asks.

He smiles at her. He's not supposed to answer that question but he will indulge this one time. "Yes she did." Liv takes a breath. "You know what the complaint is, so I don't think I have to read it out right. Would like to hear your side of the story?"

"And what happens after you get that?" Liv asks.

"I will have to speak to others, mainly your secretary and eventually ," he answers.

"Nothing improper happened Mr. Allen," Liv says.

"That's not what the former is saying," he replies.

"I know what she is probably saying and I can assure you that I would never jeopardize my career and my reputation that way."

"So, you are not in a relationship with ?" he asks.

Liv thinks about it. In that moment, her fear is telling her to lie. "I didn't say that."

"Well which one is it Dr. Pope. You either have a relationship with him or your don't or you had a relationship with him," he presses.

Just as this question is thrown at her, Fitz text: Are you okay? I know you asked for some space but the space is killing me here. I miss you and dammit, I need you. I just need to see you. That's all!. I love you.

Liv glances back up at Mr. Allen. Damn if Fitz doesn't have perfect timing, in all things. "Yes sir, we are in a relationship."

"Did that relationship start before or after you stopped being their doctor?"

"I did not start a relationship with Mr. Grant until long after they stopped being my patients. I know you don't have to believe it but the moment I realized we had a connection and feelings I did the right thing immediately. I found them a new doctor and stopped treating them."

He sits up in his seat, "How did you know you had feelings for each other if you didn't act on those feelings until much later?"

"I can't explain it in a way that will make sense to you," Liv defends.

"I would try to explain if I were you. I would explain it now before you have to explain it to the board," he answers.

Liv sees the veil threat and seriousness in his eyes. "We connected during our sessions. We finish each other's sentences. We laughed when there was nothing to laugh at except the knowing of the inside joke that no one would understand but he and I. The way our thoughts would intersect and we would knowingly confirm it with our eyes and no words. That reoccurring dream that wouldn't let me sleep at night," she's overwhelmed by her own words and she stops and takes a breath. Even is taken aback by this admission. "Then one day he told me what I was never planning to tell him, that he was feeling something that he knew shouldn't feel."

"And how did you react?"

"I told him that it was wrong and we couldn't engage in anything improper," She quickly answers.

"When did that change?"

"When did what change?" Liv asks.

"When did you decide to go with your feelings ? That's the whole issue here. Mrs. Grant is claiming impropriety on your part. Most of all, she feels her marriage was compromised as a result," he explains.

"Their marriage was over. I was trying to get them, mostly Mrs. Grant, to come to terms with that," she can see that he's not sold on her explanation. "I couldn't deny that something existed between us so I knew that I had to do the right thing, release them."

"What was your explanation for doing so?"

Liv's throat catches, "I suppose I would call it a little white lie. I told her, them, that my practice was growing and with that came a growing patient load."

"And during this time, you are saying that your relationship with Mr. Grant remained platonic so to speak," he digs.

"Are you asking if we dated or if we consummated our relationship?' Liv gets to the point.

"In terms of…"

"We did not consummate our relationship until our divorces were final. Call me old fashioned but I knew this conversation was a possibility so...I tried to do everything by the book, so to speak," Liv answers. "Did we start seeing each other after they were no longer my patients? Yes."

"Thank you for being candid," he answers.

"You didn't give me much of a choice. Like you said, my job and my reputation is at stake."

"I believe you value your job. I believe that. I believe you tried to. Mrs. Grant could push this very far. You'll be hearing from me," he says as he gets up.

"When will you want to speak to April, my secretary?"

"In a few days. I will call and make an appointment. We may need to see all your notes for your sessions with the Grants," he explains.

"That can be provided," Liv answers.

He extends his hand, "Thank you for your time Dr. Pope."

Liv returns the gesture, "Thank you! I will wait to hear from you," she answers as he leaves. Her next appointment, The Lacey's are waiting. She looks at them, "Can you give me a few moments and I will be ready?" The nod in agreement as she closes the door taking a deep breath. Her anxiety is in full swing. She knows this can grow bigger and all eyes are on Mellie and her need for what she thinks is justice. Liv rushes to her phone. She knows she's kept Fitz at bay long enough.

She sends him a text: I miss you too. Can you come over tonight? We need to talk.

Fitz's hands must have been waiting. He responds with anxiousness and quickness. I can definitely come over. Good thing you text me back, I was this close to coming to your office and making a scene. Listen, everything is going to be okay.

Liv is immediately stricken with emotions, mostly the one that wants her to cry her feelings out. How does he know exactly what to say to her? She answers, I trust you.

That's all Fitz needs to hear. He calls Nora into his office. He doesn't want anything getting in the way of him leaving on time today. His girl needs him and he needs her. That is all that matters. He looks down at his phone. He can hear it in her text. He can hear it without the sound of her voice. She's upset. She's scared and he's got to be her Fixer.

He calls his cell. "Come over to my office," Fitz says.

Who is he calling?


Mellie is at Elizabeth's office. She's waiting to see her. Elizabeth was out to lunch. Her secretary texted her that Mellie Grant was anxiously awaiting her return. She braces herself for the onslaught of Mellie. She opens the door to her office, coming in as if it was any other day.

"Mellie," she says as she comes in.

Mellie stands up. "Good of you to come back," she says snarkily.

Elizabeth raises her eyebrows, "Good to see you too Mellie. Let's go into my office," she directs her as she eyes her secretary.

Mellie goes in, sitting down in the chair. She takes on the lawyer in prowl pose. "I am sure you know why I am here."

"No, I am not sure I know why you are here. But I am sure you will tell me. From the look on your face you are upset. Why are you upset?"

"Don't shrink me," Mellie says.

"I am not shrinking you Mellie. It is clear that you are upset. I am trying to make sense of it all. I haven't seen you in months, but you show up here without an appointment, passing out sarcasm. I am not sure why I deserve it," Elizabeth cuts her attitude down quickly.

Mellie smiles, "Dr. Olivia Pope."

Elizabeth sits back in her chair, "What about her?"

"Did you know? Don't bullshit me. I know you knew," Mellie spits.

"I never try to bullshit a bullshitter," Elizabeth responds. Her answer only angers Mellie. "What is it that you think I know?"

"You knew why she dropped us as patients and sent us to you," Mellie answers.

"Why do you assume I know that?" Elizabeth says.

"Because you doctors are like us lawyers. You discuss everything and I am sure she told you that she wanted to fuck my husband with a clean conscious so take us off her hands. Isn't that right?" Mellie says. Elizabeth starts to laugh. "You think this is funny."

"No, I don't think it is funny. I find it amazing everyone knew what a catch your husband was but you. There are many women who want to fuck your husband, if I may be candid," Elizabeth says shockingly.

"Excuse me," Mellie says.

"Just being honest. But for your information, a colleague asked me to take over some of her patients and that's what I did. As a fellow doctor to another doctor. She's a doctor and a damn good one. She would never jeopardize her reputation and her good name doing something indecent."

"My husband wouldn't have left me that way if it wasn't for her," Mellie says.

"Your husband was going to leave you no matter what. Olivia and myself just talked you through the inevitable. I told you at the end Mrs. Grant that you were holding on to something that didn't exist. You chose to ignore that fact and that's not Olivia's fault or mine," Elizabeth ends.

Mellie is more than angry now, she gets her purse. "She's going to pay for what she did. If you want to go down with her, then be my guest." She walks toward the door, swinging it open.

"Mellie," Elizabeth says.

"Yes," Mellie says.

"Does Fitz know what lies beneath you?" Elizabeth asks.

"What do you mean?" Mellie asks.

"Just a question," Elizabeth answers as Mellie slams the door. She takes a deep breath, picking up her phone immediately.


Huck walks into Fitz's office. He is ready for the job, whatever Fitz has in mind. He walks in with the usual awkwardness that comes with being Huck. Liv doesn't know that Fitz and Huck have formed this partnership for her safety but they have. Huck will do anything for Liv and he respects that Fitz feels the same way about her.

"Huck, thanks for coming by," Fitz says, offering him a seat and a drink.

"Nothing for me," Huck says, which is typical Huck.

"I know you were surprised to hear from me," Fitz says.

"Yes, does Liv know you called me?" Huck asks.

"No, this is about Liv. I need you to do something. I am only trying to protect her," Fitz starts.

"What do you need me to do?" Huck asks.

"I know you have your own deal but I need you to do some side work," Fitz explains.

"If it is for Liv, I'll do anything."

"I need you to scour the internet, tap into firm records. I want any information on my ex-wife. I need to know if she has secrets. I want to know if she's been lying to me. I think she is going after Liv and I need to know what she is doing," Fitz explains.

"Why would she be after Liv?" Huck asks. He doesn't know what's been going on

"She is trying to ruin Liv's practice and her career. I am sure of it. I need to know what I can do to prevent that from happening," Fitz says.

"Consider it handled," Huck answers.

"I have my guy Charlie also working on this. Mellie is planning something and I know it. I have to figure out what it is," Fitz says.

"I don't mind looking into her history but what am I looking for?" Huck asks.

"Anything you think I might not like. And I mean anything. She's trying to threaten me with my kids and I won't have that," Fitz says.

"You got it," Huck says.

"I know I have no right to ask you for help but…"

"It's okay! Liv is like a sister to me. Whatever I can do to help her, I'll do," Huck answers.

"Thanks Huck," Fitz says. "Don't worry, I will pay you well."

"I'm not worried. Some things don't have a money value," Huck answers.

It's in that moment that they both understand their love for Olivia and keeping her safe. They shake on the deal and Huck leaves. He will work out the details and start 'researching' his subject. Charlie meanwhile is doing some actual leg work, following Mellie around. He's about to give Fitz one update that's going to upset him to no end, her visit with Elizabeth. How will Fitz respond to that?


Liv is on the phone with Harrison, who's with their parents. He and Quinn have set a wedding day. Harrison has some other news for her too.

"I can't believe you are really doing it. You are really getting married," Liv says.

"Me either man, this chick is really ruining my reputation," Harrison jokes.

"She's good for you. She's good to you. Don't mess this up," Liv says.

Harrison laughs, "You sound like mom and dad. They have already threatened to kill me and take Quinn as their second daughter."

"I'll forget I have a brother too if you mess this up," Liv laughs.

"Your boy called me with a job proposition," Harrison says.

"Who did?" Liv asks.

"Your boy Fitz. He didn't tell you. He remembered that piece I put together that's here at the house. He wants me to work on some things there. I told him I'd think about it. I mean Quinn might not want to pick up and move to Chi Town," Harrison explained.

Liv is silent for a minute, "He didn't tell me."

"Maybe he wanted it to be a surprise," Harrison says, not really paying attention to her tone.

"Shit," Liv says.

"What's wrong?" Harrison says.

"I'm stupid. I did something shitty. It was stupid," Liv explains.

"What did you do?" Harrison says.

"I pumped the brakes on me and Fitz for a while," Liv says.

"Why?"

Liv shakes her head, "I am trying to figure this whole thing out with his ex. I just needed time to think. When I am with him I can't do that effectively and I forget reality because I'm Cinderella and my Prince Charming has me in his dreamworld."

"How in the hell are you two not seeing each other in the same building?" Harrison says.

"Because he's a good man Harrison. He respected my wishes, giving me the space I need," Liv says.

"It's not his fault that his wife is batshit crazy and can't admit defeat. Don't let that kitchen banger win," Harrison says.

"That's easy to say Harrison. I could lose my license because of her. She's gunning for me. I did the right thing but the fact that I am in a relationship with Fitz, it looks like she's right. The argument is going to be hard to win."

"You love that guy. I know you do," Harrison says.

"Of course I do. That's not the issue Harry. The issue is, I worked my ass off and now it's in danger of being taken from me."

"Who is this?" Harrison says.

"What?" Liv asks.

"Who is this chick I'm talking to. My sister, Olivia Carolyn Pope, defied her parents and was dating a guy she knew was a lowkey dealer. A real bad boy, cause she liked him. She even gave it up to him," Harrison persists.

"Would you shut up? I am aware of what I did. I didn't know that Curtis was dealing, that's why I defended him," Liv explains.

"A part of you knew he was. But you fought for it until that incident happened."

"What's your point Harrison?" Liv says.

"My point is, you are head over heels in love with this guy and I can't believe you are going to let this Malibu Barbie scare you away from it."

"That's not it Harry. I just...I told him I trusted him. I told him I could live with losing it all, if I didn't lose him and I meant that. I did. But, a part of me will always be disappointed in myself if I let myself down. I wanted to make a name for myself. I wanted Mom and Dad to be proud of me."

Harrison shakes his head. "Sis, we are proud of you. We are so proud of you. That will never change. But we also want you to be happy. I was leery of the cat at first but he loves you and he will move heaven and earth for you. That's what we want for you too."

"I love you, you know that," Liv says.

"I love you too Sis. However the chips fall, let me fall. He will be there no matter what," Harrison adds.

"Who made you so smart?" Liv laughs.

"Shit, I'm getting weak. That's what good loving does," Harrison says.

"I am proud of you. You are a grown up and you found the one. We want you to be happy too," Liv says.

"Okay, so go talk to your man. Stop putting him off and we will talk later. Let Fitz know I'll talk to Quinn about the job," Harrison says.

"Alright, bye!"

"Bye Trixie," he laughs as she hangs up the phone in fake protest.


Liv is sitting in her favorite chair. She remembers the night she asked Fitz for space, knowing she didn't tell him all the reasons why. She knows she needs to tell him.

Flashback:

She and Fitz are lying on the couch wrapped in each other's arms, having just had dinner. They like the comfortableness of just lighting a few candles and enjoying the quiet and the night sky peering through Fitz's windows.

"We haven't done our usual routine yet," Fitz says as he caresses her arms.

Liv looks up at him, "Which routine is that?"

"Well usually we are so excited to see each other we make out or make love," he laughs, kissing her temple.

She smiles, "You horndog. Are we really like rabbits?"

"I would sure hope so," Fitz answers.

"I know what you mean. So, I'll start. How was your day dear?" She chuckles.

"It was good. I tried to concentrate but I couldn't. I couldn't stop thinking about this woman who I am in love with and has made me a lovesick fool for her."

"Lovesick huh! She must be one hell of a woman," she nods.

"She's one hell of a woman. She's one hell a doctor and one hell of a kisser," he answers

"What else?" She picks.

"Well, I don't know if you want me to embarrass you," he starts.

"How could you embarrass me?"

"Cause I could talk about how she's got one hell of an ass and a perfect pair of lips and one hell of an upward stroke.." Before he can finish she places her finger on his lips.

"I get the picture...you want her for her body," Liv smiles.

"No, I want her for everything. I want her for her mind, body, and soul. I just hope she believes that," Fitz says.

Liv drops her head on his chest, "Of course she does."

"I don't think you do. I know you are worried about Mellie. I told you no matter what I'll be right here. You can trust me."

"I know that Fitz. I do know that…"

"But.." Fitz breaks in.

"I've been thinking about this and I know you won't agree with it but.."

"So stop thinking about it," he breaks in again.

Liv sits up. She knows what she has to say will break the mood and she needs to look him in the eye to explain it. "I have to think about this. I have to be realistic about what could be coming."

Fitz sits up, looking at her. "We are going to be prepared for Mellie."

"She can't smear your name Fitz. The smear campaign would be me, all about me. She's not mad at you. She's mad at me. I am public enemy number one and she's going to make me suffer for it. I know I said I can lose it all but having you is what I ultimately want and I meant that but I have to fight for myself. I shouldn't just let Mellie do what she wants, strip me of life's work without a fight. If she brings a fight to me, I have to fight back," Liv explains.

"Livvie, you know I don't want you to have to choose between career and love. This might not be the best moment to say this but I fell in love with the most brilliant and beautiful doctor I ever laid eyes on."

"That's just it. Why didn't we meet in another time and another place?" Liv explains. "Why couldn't I be the woman you bumped into on the street while rushing down the Miracle Mile. We locked eyes and then fell madly in love."

He grabs her fidgeting hand, "Because our stars weren't written that way." She lets out a breath, staring at him. Why is this man so dreamy?

"I need to sort some things out. I know you are going to be here to support me. I know that but for me, I just need some room to process. If Mellie goes after my license and succeeds, that will get out. If I don't lose my license my patients could still find out. We both know your wife is not the silent type. She will want to shame me in the eyes of Chicago."

"And if she does we will hit back," Fitz says quickly.

"I know and I love you for it but I just need to process this all. A lot has happened since you walked in my office for the first time. I went from trying to save your marriage to falling in love with you. I crave you Fitz and it's the scariest feeling in the world because I just let my inhibitions control me and in the process I lose control. I need to be in control right now," Liv tries to explain. She gets up from the couch, walking over to the fireplace and turning to him. She can tell Fitz is hurt but trying to be understanding and supportive.

"Why does this sound like the sweetest breakup? Why do I feel like the woman I love is breaking up with me without giving us a real chance?"

"I am not breaking up with you. I am just asking you for some space. I just need to put some things into perspective," she answers.

He gets up from the sofa, walking over to her. "I don't want you to question us. We aren't wrong. Don't let this situation make you believe that."

She brings his lips to hers, pecking them gently. "I know we aren't wrong. I don't question that. I am just asking for an intermission."

"How long is this intermission going to take?" He asks.

"We can still see each other but for now, the sex, I just can't handle it right now." She can't believe the words she just uttered but she has to stick to what she is saying.

"So we are back to square one, no sex, no intimacy, no us."

"No, there's always us, I just.."

He can tell there is something she is not telling him. "Livvie, what's really going on?"

She kisses him again, this time he doesn't return the gesture. "Please do this for me."

"I'd do anything for you. No matter how much I hate it."

She takes his hand, kissing the top, "We are only a few elevators apart. We can still.."

"But we can't…"

"I love you. I hope you believe that," she answers.

"I love you too. I hope you believe that and believe in me," he responds.

"I do," she smiles. She takes a deep breath. She knows how a night like this usually ends with them and God knows she wants it but she has to do this for herself. She looks around the room, "I better go."

"Can you stay tonight and we start this intermission tomorrow?" He says as he pulls for her waist, pulling her close.

"No, because I won't be able to do it," she breaks away. She gets her purse, putting on her shoes. "Dinner this weekend?" She asks.

"Okay," he says sadly as he watches her start toward the door. He goes slowly behind her, "Talk until we fall asleep."

"Definitely," she says as she turns and surprises him with a searing kiss. They break away, Fitz reluctantly letting go as she leaves. He closes the door.

Hell if he doesn't want to throw something and break it.

Present:

Liv comes out of the flashback, throwing her head back on the couch. Her phone rings and it's her mom. She figures Harrison gave her the 411 on what she shouldn't be doing.

Liv answers, "Tel Harrison I am going to kick his butt."

"You leave your brother alone. He knows when you need a swift kick in the butt," Maya responds.

"Mom, I already know what you are going to say and you are right," Liv answers.

"You have no idea what I am going to say," Maya responds.

"Okay," Liv sits back in her chair. "I am listening to my mother."

"Don't patronize me young lady," Maya jokes. She stops. She is trying to give Liv the benefit of the doubt. She understands her daughter is scared and on edge about the inevitable. "I get it Livvie. You are scared."

Liv is immediately emotional, her mother always sees right through her. "She filed a complaint.I was visited by someone from the Illinois Medical Licensing board today."

"I figure the little witch would," Maya says.

"I figured she would too. I just...I was the one that would never get involved with a patient. I was the one that wouldn't give everyone something to talk about.."

"You are also a human being that can't help who you fall in love with. Mellie Grant can kiss all our asses. She's no saint. She's no victim, no matter how she tries to portray that."

Liv chuckles, "I know she's no saint. I know she has skeletons but right now she holds the cards. It will be my word against secrets aren't the problem here. The problem is if I went against my oath and did something I shouldn't have. "

"But you didn't," Maya insists.

"But it's her word against mine at the end of the day," Liv explains.

"Did you tell Fitz what happened today?" Maya asks.

"He's coming over for dinner. I am going to tell him everything," Liv promises.

"Liv you still haven't told him," Maya asks.

"No mother I haven't but I am going to tell him tonight," Liv answers.

Maya takes on more of her mother role, "I expect to hear you told him when we talk in the morning."

"I will Mom, I will. I have to go. I am cooking dinner and he'll be here soon. I love you and bye."

"Wait a minute," Maya asks

"Mom," Liv breathes.

"What are you making? You need to make something sexy, keep the mojo going that you halted," Maya chuckles.

"Oh my God! You are telling me to seduce my boyfriend. I am going now…" Liv shakes her head. "Spaghetti and Meatballs by the way."

"Oh that's simple, sexy, and shareable. Good choice," Maya approves.

Liv laughs, "Bye mom." Liv hangs up the phone and goes into the kitchen to check on her sauce that's been simmering.


Fitz is in the car, on his way home. He stopped and bought two expensive bottles of wine. He's missed his girl and he's hoping tonight will change that. He gets a call right as he is pulling into the parking structure of the condo high rise.

"Charlie give me a few minutes. I am going to lose you," Fitz says.

"Sounds good boss," he answers as they hang up.

Fitz pulls in, he decides to stop in a spot and talk to Charlie. He calls him back, "What's up Charlie?"

"I have a question," Charlie says. "How far back do you want me to go in for dirt? I might be onto something and do you honestly want the answers no matter what it is?"

"Yes I do. She's not going to mess up my life in the present," Fitz answers.

"Yes sir. I'll have some information for you in a few days."

"Thanks Charlie," Fitz answers as he gets the humongous bouquet of flowers and wine in hand. He arrives at her door, ringing the bell.

Liv opens the door so quickly, he doesn't have time to take a breath. He feels like it's their first date, even though it isn't. "Hi," he says.

She looks at the flowers in his hand. "Hi," she answers as she takes the flowers from him. She looks at the bag, "And wine?"

"I figured I'd wine and dine you," he charms as he walks in.

Liv puts the flowers down. She pulls out the wine, "Chateau Margaux..perfect for what we are having."

"They didn't have your favorite but I know this one is a close second. What are we having?" Fitz says as he slowly moves into her space. She doesn't run, letting him take her in his arms.

"We are having spaghetti and meatballs, with my special sauce," she answers.

"Ohhhh that's sexy," Fitz says as he kisses her nose.

Liv laughs, "Did you talk to my mom before I got here?"

"No, why?" Fitz asks as he's savoring the feel of her body melded into his.

"Nothing," she waves off. She just looks in his eyes. "I've missed you. I know we've been together but I've missed us together."

"I've missed you too but…," Fitz reminds her.

"I know. I know. Let's eat and talk because I want you to understand," Liv says.

"Let' talk," he answers as she leaves him into the dining room where the table is elegantly and romantically set for two.

"Romantic, I like it."

"You open the wine and I'll bring everything in," Liv says.

Fitz opens the wine and pours the glasses. He sits a little box on her plate. He has been holding this little gift for a while to give to her. He had some embellishments added to it. "Do you need some help in there?" He asks.

"Can you get the bread and the parmesan and bring it in? Let me finish tossing the salad," Liv says.

He goes in, she's tossing the caesar salad. Fitz embraces her from behind, "Everything almost looks as delicious as you."

Liv throws her head back on his chest, "I hope it doesn't disappoint." Fitz kisses her neck as he picks up the bread and the parmesan and brings it in.

He comes back getting the salad as she follows behind with the spaghetti and meatballs that's on a serving plate. "Can't wait," he says as he eyes her, waiting for her to note the gift on her plate. She's so wrapped up in the food. She sits the entree down and goes back for the salt & pepper. She's learned that Fitz has a salty palette in all things.

"I almost forget," she teases as he shows the salt and pepper in her hands. She sits them down and then looked down at her plate. She looks up at Fitz, "What is this?" she asks as she slowly takes her seat.

"Open it and see," Fitz says.

"What have you done?" Liv asks as she unties the red bow.

"I wanted to get you something. Open the box woman," he pushes.

She opens it to find a diamond lined uniquely shaped ring, "It's beautiful Fitz," she says as she takes it out.

"Remember I told you a while back that you are my Sweet Baby," he says.

"Yeah, I love that name," she answers.

"It's not just because everything about you is sweet but this ring was my grandmother's and she gave it to my mother and my mother gave it to me. My grandfather had it made for my grandmother and it was truly her prized possession," Fitz explains.

"This is a family heirloom Fitz. Why are you giving it to me?" Liv asks.

"What do you mean?" He asks incredulously. "It's an heirloom and I'm giving it to the woman who is my family now. We are going to build our own family. My mother wanted me to give it to the love of my life and I am doing that," Fitz explains.

"You never gave it to Mellie," Liv says totally surprised.

"No, I didn't. I could never do it. I never had the heart," Fitz says.

Liv has tears that are forming in her eyes, "And you are giving it to me?"

"That's right and I'll be royally pissed if you don't take it and wear it," Fitz explains as he gets on his knee crawling to her, taking the ring out of her hand. "So can I put this on you?"

Liv can't look at him. She's too overcome with emotion, "Yes, you can!" she laughs through her tears.

He puts it on her finger, "I want you to wear this no matter what's going on. I like the idea of you carrying a piece of me around with you everywhere you go."

Liv drops her head, "I like that idea too."

"Are we going to be okay?" Fitz asks.

"We are," she shakes her as he wipes the tear that has fallen. She reaches down to kiss him. She holds his face there. "The food is going to get cold," she whispers.

"We can't have that, can we?" He says getting up as they eat and talk more.

"Mellie filed a formal complaint against me," Liv says.

"What?" Fitz says.

"She filed a formal complaint with the Illinois Medical Licensing Board against me," Liv explains further.

"I am going to talk to her. This is out of control. She is out of control," Fitz says angrily as he slams his fork down.

"We knew this was a possibility," Liv says.

"But it is also unnecessary," Fitz says.

"They are going to be talking to you, so just be prepared."

Fitz can't think of anything to say that could help, "I'm sorry," is his only defense.

"This is not your fault Fitz. We knew when we decided to go for it that it wasn't going to be easy and we were in a situation that wasn't of the norm. I don't regret going over that cliff with you but I have to make sure I don't lose the respect of everyone because of this. It's her word against mine. Your marriage didn't work and now I have no. It's a hard case to argue on my side," Liv says.

"That's why you wanted a break," Fitz says.

"No, it wasn't...I supposed. I just needed to clear my head for this. I knew she would do it. Everything was moving so fast in my head and I needed to slow down for a minute," Liv answers.

"I never wanted to pressure you. Did you feel like I was pressuring you?" Fitz asks.

"No, my head and my heart were battling for my attention. I just needed a moment. I needed a minute and I'm sorry hurt you in the process," Liv explains.

"Whenever you need a minute, just tell me. I'll stand there. I'll sit there. I'll be there. If we just need to sit in silence, we sit in silence. I didn't feel right staying away from you," he says.

"It didn't feel right to me either," Liv smiles.

Fitz grabs her hand, "Next time you feel that attack coming on, no more intermissions. You run to me." Liv nods in agreement. "And Mellie, I am taking care of Mellie. She is not going to ruin your or your good name."

"Don't make promises you can't keep," Liv says.

"This is a promise I can keep," Fitz answers as he reaches for her hand, willing her to get up and sit in his lap. He hums once the warmth of her skin is pressed against his and he can smell that scent of her. His head is nestled into her breastbone, "What else?" He asks.

"What do you mean?" Liv says nonchalantly.

"What else are you keeping from me? What really scared you?" Fitz asks.

"Nothing," she says trying to get up but he doesn't want to let her go. "I need to clear the table," Liv answers.

"You need to tell me what's going on," Fitz says. Liv starts clearing the table, bringing them into the kitchen. Fitz stops in the door. "Liv," he says.

She doesn't want to look at him. She is fumbling around as he repeats her name again. She finally stops, taking a deep breath, "I thought I was pregnant," she answers.

Fitz is a bit dumbfounded, "What?" He starts walking toward her. "Are you serious?"

"Yes, I was late, more than usual. My periods are always irregular. I freaked out and I just didn't know what to do," Liv answers.

"So you pushed me away because you might be pregnant with our child," Fitz says.

"I needed to catch my breath and I just felt like that was a sign we were moving too fast. I freaked out," Liv admits.

"All you had to do was tell me," Fitz says.

"That I was pregnant and I wasn't quite sure I wanted to be. It would have been the worse timing," Liv explains. She looks at him, "And you would have wanted it."

Fitz can see she's scared about telling him this. "I would have but I also would have wanted what you wanted."

She looks up at him, surprised. "Really?"

"Baby, you have to trust me. I am not Jake. I don't ignore you. I don't dismiss you. I don't hurt you and I won't hurt you. I would never push something on you that you didn't want, no matter how I feel about it. Do I want to have kids with you someday? Yes I do. But if we don't, that's okay too because I have you." He says this as he goes toward her, embracing her tightly.

"We have to curve the sex tho Fitz," she says.

"Now that's non-negotiable," he announces.

"What?" LIv says slapping his shoulder.

"I haven't been inside you in almost two months and that wasn't my choice. But I respected it, nonetheless. I need you. I need to make love to you. Are you going to deny me that?"

"Fitz," she whispers as he kisses the side of her cheek down her neck.

"Sweet Baby," he says as he is licking her neck. She lets out a moan in the process. The weight of his words and the meaning behind, Sweet Baby sends her senses into a tizzy.

"Can you stay the night?" She asks as she breaks away to look at him.

"I can stay as long as you want," he answers as he picks her up, throwing her over his shoulder.

Liv laughs loudly, "What are you doing? I have to clean the kitchen."

"The kitchen can wait," he says as he spanks her ass and then rubs it. "This cannot," he finishes as he takes a playful bite of her cheek.

She laughs as he rushes towards her bedroom so they can reconnect.


Huck is going through emails on a server he's hacked into at Mellie's firm. "Very interesting Mrs. Grant! Very interesting!"


What did Huck find out? Mellie is a real piece of work. This is going to get ugly. Fitz is the ultimate romantic.